I used to go to GMS, and Mr. Sherwin was one of the nicest substitutes I've ever had. He knew how to get along with every student, and he was a wonderful part of my old middle school. I know it's been over two years since he passed, and I know live in a completely different state as a sophomore in high school, but rest easy up there Mr. Sherwin, you will be missed.

I last saw Harlan at our 50th Clark reunion. We sat next to each other at the luncheon. An unsung hero deep in humanity. What was most striking about him was his true humanity and friendliness, after oh so many years. I was truly honored to see him again.  We kept in touch a few times after that, his sharing his writing on music. What will always last and resonate is his humanity, as true as the sun. I thank him for the work he did as a teacher.

We at the Norfolk County Retired Senior Volunteer Program are very saddened to hear of Harlan's passing.  We saw him having a great time at our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Endicott Estate, Dedham  in August.  Through us, he enjoyed volunteering at the Dedham Senior Center. Today I was there and spoke with Sheila, Therese, Roberta and Dee who all miss him too.  
Harlan also set it up for Robert to go and present our volunteer program to the Sharon Men's Group  last fall.   We appreciated his outreach and warmth.  May his memory be a blessing forever.

We are so very sorry to hear of Harlan's passing. Sending you all our heartfelt condolences. With love, Darin, Wendy and the Camp Bournedale Staff.

I attend to Galvin Middle School as an 8th grader. I didn't know him that much, but with all the classes I had with him, he was an exceptional man. He is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He may rest in peace now.

Harlan was kind, caring, and had such a great sense of humor. It made him a pleasure to be around. 
When we told him we had gotten away from watching the Red Sox, he was appalled that we could do such a thing. Harlan, we promise to start watching them again!

RIP. We'll never forget you.

"Superjock" with "Pancho Villa" (Bob G) Halloween, 1984 at the McManus home.  Harlan's shirt was decorated with the logos of all the Boston sports teams.

I am an 8th-grade student at Galvin Middle School.  Mr. Sherwin was a very kind and fun man who was a light to everybody he met. I share my deepest condolences to his family. 

Dear Harlan,
On behalf of the Galvin Middle School, you will be missed.  Thank you for your years of service and presence.
GMS School and Faculty.

Rob,
Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Deepest sympathy,
Matt Schulman

Harlan was my best friend when we wee in school. He was then, and remained , a sweet and generous person.  Rest in peace. Austin Sarat

He was my favorite sub. I loved all his jokes and how kind he was to everyone. I will miss him very much and so will all the students at GMS. We appreciate everything he did for us. Rest In Peace Mr. Sherwin.

I have been a student at the Galvin Middle school for three years now, whenever Mr. Sherwin was a substitute for any of my classes, I was so happy. He was such a good teacher, he was funny and nice. I am going to miss walking into a classroom and seeing his smile. Rest in peace.

Bob
Our sympathy on the loss of your brother.
Arlene and  Ed Bochner 

To Rob and the Sherwin Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you.
Elizabeth and Bob Davignon

Mr.Sherwin was a substitute teacher at my middle school. All 3 years I was there he was a welcoming face with a kind heart. He would always crack jokes and read his newspaper. I will cherish and miss him greatly.

As a student of his at the GMS I would just love to say how great of a man he was and how he will truly be missed. 

Mr Sherwin was an amazing teacher at the galvin and whenever he walked in the room he would light it up. he was truly an amazing person and was one of the sweetest teachers. i will forever miss walking into the classroom and seeing him there and never being happier to have a subsitute. he will  be missed and his kind soul and legacy will live on forever.

I am currently attending galvin middle school. I am in my 8th grade year, and Mr. Sherman never failed to light up the room with his presence. He will be greatly missed. 

I knew Harlan for almost 12 years.  He was my friend.  I always looked forward to our talks, discussions, and even our debates. He had a warm heart and he had a moral compass about him which endeared me to the person he was.  He gave me a book called " Outliers" and  knew I would like it!  It's a keeper and I will miss him very much!
Donna Eaton 

The entire McManus family enjoyed a friendship with Harlan.  He brought warmth, wit and lively conversation to our family gatherings on Cape Cod.  RIP Harlan.  You will be missed! ❤️

I am currently an 8th grader at the galvin middle school. Mr. Sherwin was also such a kind and good teacher. Rest in peace Mr. Sherwin.

Harlan was always a “character “ at Halloween parties!

Harlan was a true friend. I will miss the many times we shared watching games, and the laughter. His Nixon imitation was classic. I enjoyed the lively discussions whether it be politics, food, or music. He never let health issues hinder his positive outlook on his life.
Rest in peace Harlan.

Jack McManus 

Truly sorry for your loss, he seemed like a lovely person.

I am in my first year as principal at Galvin Middle School so I only knew Harlan a short time. But in that brief time I saw how much he meant to the staff and students here. I really appreciated the good humor he brought with him each morning, and I will miss his takes on the Sox and Pats. He was a good man and he was dedicated to helping us maintain a positive school community day in and day out. We will miss him greatly.

Your family is in my thoughts in this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing. 

Sincerely,
Jon Mulhern

Harlan, 
So very sorry.  You were kind, thoughtful and oh so funny. Your love for sports and music were second to none.  Thanks for introducing me to your favorite artists.  I will miss you.  Sincere condolences to your caring family.  Friends, teachers and students. 
Harriet 

Harlan has been a steady presence at Galvin Middle School for most of the time I have taught there. He always had a smile or a joke and was a pleasure to have around. I will miss him.

OBITUARY

Harlan M. Sherwin

August 17, 1947 – March 22, 2023

Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services